Thyroid nodule Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of a thyroid nodule?

A

Small lump(s) in the thyroid

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2
Q

How common are thyroid nodules?

A

One in 12-15 woman have a thyroid nodule

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3
Q

What is the pathophysiology of thyroid nodules?

A
  • Single/solitary: mostly benign. Hot = too much T3/T4 being produced
  • Multiple/multinodular: rare to find cancer unless growing rapidly
  • Colloid and hyperplastic nodules: benign lumps which are either solitary/multinodular
  • Thyroid adenoma: benign
  • Thyroid cyst: fluid containing swelling
  • Thyroid cancer: rare
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4
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of thyroid nodules?

A
  • Asymptomatic
  • Pain
  • When swallowing does the lump move? – thyroid lumps and thyroglossal cysts move upwards on swallowing
  • Protruding tongue – thyroglossal cyst moves up
  • Difficulty swallowing – RED FLAG
  • Hoarseness of voice - REDFLAG
  • Enlarged lymph nodes - REDFLAG
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5
Q

What investigations are carried our for thyroid nodules?

A
  • TFTs
  • Thyroid US +/- biopsy or fine needle aspiration
  • X ray
  • Nuclear medicine scan – to check if hot/cold
  • Basal plasma calcitonin and cardinoembryonic antigen – if thyroid cancer is suspected
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6
Q

What are the surgical treatments for thyroid nodules?

A

• Partial/full thyroidectomy

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7
Q

What are the pharmacological treatments for thyroid nodules?

A
  • Levothyroixine
  • Radioactive iodine
  • Iodine replacement
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8
Q

What are the non pharmacological treatments for thyroid nodules?

A

• No symptoms/cancer = no treatment

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9
Q

What are the risk factors/aetiology of thyroid nodules?

A
  • Woman
  • Cyst
  • Adenoma
  • Cancerous tumour: higher risk <20 and >70
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to radiation
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